Causes

PCP is caused by a fungus.
Most believe that the fungus
is spread in the air, but it is not clear if the fungus lives in soil or elsewhere. In healthy people, the fungus can exist in the lungs without causing pneumonia. However, in people who have a weakened immune system, the fungus can spread and cause a lung infection.

Risk Factors

A weakened immune system can put you at risk for PCP. The immune system may be weakened in people who:

Are using medications that may weaken the immune system, such as steroids

Have a history of PCP

Symptoms

Symptoms of PCP usually develop over the course of a few weeks or months. The main symptoms of PCP are:

Shortness of breath

Fever

Dry cough

Tightness or pain in the chest

Weakness

See your doctor immediately if you have any these symptoms.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. To confirm PCP, a sample of mucus from your lungs will be examined under the microscope. Your doctor will collect samples by giving you either:

Prevention

PCP infections can cause damage to your lungs and affect your overall health. Preventing a PCP infection is an important first step. A healthy immune system is the best prevention for PCP. See your doctor as recommended to help monitor your immune system. If you have HIV, follow your treatment program to keep your immune system healthy. This will help prevent a PCP infection.

If you are at risk for PCP, your doctor may recommend that you take antibiotic medication to prevent getting it. Take preventative medication as recommended, do not skip doses. PCP prevention with medication may be recommended if:

You have HIV and your CD4 cell count falls below 200

You have a history of PCP

You plan to use immune suppressing medications for a long period of time

You have other conditions such as a temperature above 100˚F that lasts for more than 2 weeks, or a fungal infection in your mouth or throat

Talk to your doctor about a
pneumonia vaccine.
This only protects you from a different kind of pneumonia. It will not prevent you from getting PCP.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.